Changes to the Minns Government Ministry

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NSW Premier Chris Minns has announced changes to the NSW Ministry that will boost the Government’s focus on skills, domestic manufacturing, and the importance of TAFE to regional NSW.

Former Minister in the previous Labor Government and Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, has been sworn in as the Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education. Minister for Finance and Minister for Natural Resources, Courtney Houssos MLC, has been sworn into the new, additional portfolio of Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement.

The changes to the Ministry underscore the NSW Government’s commitment to domestic manufacturing and building the pipeline of skilled workers to drive productivity and jobs in NSW.

As part of the 2023-24 Budget, the Government has committed $9.8 billion to build new and upgraded schools and other educational facilities. The budget also included an additional $112.0 million to meet the TAFE funding shortfall and 1,000 extra apprentices across the NSW Government by 2026 at a cost of $93.5 million.

“The appointment of highly experienced, former Minister Steve Whan to Cabinet, will ensure another strong voice for regional NSW at the centre of government.”

^{NSW Premier Chris Minns}

The new portfolio of Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement will drive the return to domestic manufacturing and building things here again, using Government procurement power to boost local jobs. The 2023-24 Budget will kickstart this effort with $43 million for seven new Australian-made Parramatta River Class ferries and $71.1 million to return Freshwater Class ferries to the Circular Quay-Manly route.

“The appointment of highly experienced, former Minister Steve Whan to Cabinet, will ensure another strong voice for regional NSW at the centre of government,” NSW Premier Chris Minns said.

“Steve has represented all communities, but particularly rural and regional NSW, with distinction throughout his career as a former Minister for Rural Affairs, Primary Industries, Emergency Services and Small Business. He will bring his considerable skills and experience to helping rebuild TAFE and the VET sector after decades of under-funding.

“As Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos has been critical to getting waste and debt under control and shaping a budget that will deliver for the people of NSW. I have asked Courtney to step into the highly important area of boosting domestic manufacturing and to end the exodus of jobs and ideas offshore.”